Linux vs FreeBSD vs Windows Gameplay Performance Comparison (2024)

Summary

This video compares gameplay performance of *Forged in Shadow Torch* across Windows, Linux (Zorin OS), and FreeBSD (Nomad BSD) on the same hardware. The creator runs the game from an external hard drive and uses Wine Proton on Linux and FreeBSD for compatibility. FPS is monitored using MSI Afterburner on Windows, MangoHUD on Linux, and DXVK HUD on FreeBSD. Results show FreeBSD achieving the highest frame rates but with instability and crashes, Linux providing the most stable performance, and Windows performing reliably but slightly behind Linux. The video also includes setup tips and links to prior tutorials for Linux and FreeBSD gaming.

Takeaways

• 🎮 The video compares gameplay performance of 'Forged in Shadow Torch (FIST)' on Windows, Linux, and FreeBSD using the same hardware.
• 💻 Windows was installed on an internal hard drive, while Linux (Zorin OS) and FreeBSD (NomadBSD) ran from USB drives.
• 🛠️ The game was installed and run from an external hard drive on all three platforms.
• 🍷 Linux used Wine Proton Glorious Eggroll version 7.37, while FreeBSD used Wine version 8 due to compatibility issues.
• 📊 FPS monitoring tools differed: DXVK HUD on FreeBSD, MangoHUD on Linux, and MSI Afterburner on Windows.
• ⚙️ Game settings were set to high, FPS limit was set to 'No Limit', but the monitor capped it at 100 Hz.
• 🚀 FreeBSD achieved the highest FPS but was unstable and prone to crashes, with inconsistent frame rates.
• 🐧 Linux provided the most stable gameplay experience, with only minor FPS drops when the machine heated up.
• 🖥️ Windows offered stable FPS, slightly lower than FreeBSD but consistent and reliable.
• 📹 The gameplay was recorded using an HDMI capture device on a separate machine via OBS, with some video editing to display FPS counters.
• 🔧 The video included explanations and links for setting up Linux and FreeBSD gaming environments for viewers.
• 🙏 The creator encouraged viewers to support the channel via Patreon and 'super thanks' to help produce more videos.

Q & A

What game was used for the performance comparison in the video?

The game used was 'Forged in Shadow Torch,' also referred to as 'FIST,' available on the Epic Games Store.

Which operating systems were compared in the gameplay performance test?

Windows, Linux (Zorin OS), and FreeBSD (Nomad BSD) were compared.

How was the game installed for the performance tests across different OS platforms?

The game was installed and run from an external hard drive for all three platforms, while Windows itself was installed on an internal HDD and Linux/FreeBSD ran from USB drives.

Which tools were used to track FPS on each platform?

Linux used MangoHUD, FreeBSD used DXVK HUD, and Windows used MSI Afterburner.

What Wine/Proton versions were used for running the game on Linux and FreeBSD?

Linux used Wine Proton Glorious Eggroll version 7.37, while FreeBSD used Wine version 8 (64-bit), since Proton 7 did not work on FreeBSD.

What was the main difference in performance observed between FreeBSD, Linux, and Windows?

FreeBSD achieved the highest frame rates but was unstable with random crashes; Linux was the most stable with minor FPS drops; Windows performed reliably and closely matched Linux in stability.

Why was the DXVK HUD placement adjusted in the FreeBSD gameplay recording?

DXVK HUD is always displayed at the top-left corner, so to make the FPS counter visible without covering game elements, it was cut out and placed in the center of the video.

How were the game recordings captured?

Gameplay was recorded using an HDMI capture device on a separate machine with OBS software.

What were the in-game graphics settings used during the comparison?

All platforms had the graphics settings set to high, and FPS was set to 'No Limit,' though the frame rate was effectively capped at 100 Hz by the monitor.

Which platform provided the best overall gaming experience according to the video?

Linux provided the most stable gaming experience despite FreeBSD having higher peak FPS, and Windows was close behind in terms of reliability.

Why did the creator include links to tutorials and other videos in the description?

The links provide instructions for setting up Linux and FreeBSD for gaming and direct viewers to other related gameplay performance comparisons.

What is the significance of the Wine version when running games on FreeBSD?

Using the correct Wine version is crucial because some versions (like Proton 7) did not work properly on FreeBSD, causing instability or crashes during gameplay.